Will you be studying A levels or the International Baccalaureate (IB) soon? Are you unsure which subjects are useful for your desired degree? Read on to help you weigh your options properly. Choosing subjects for your A Levels or IB is a crucial decision that may impact your academic journey and future career prospects. 

This choice requires careful consideration of your personal interests, strengths, and long-term goals.  However, you may wonder, what is the difference between A Levels and IB? 

What is the difference between A Levels and IB?

A levels offer in-depth specialisation in a few subjects, ideal for those who have clear career paths, while the IB provides a broader, interdisciplinary approach, fostering well-rounded critical thinkers. 

IB students must select subjects based on the IB curriculum structure. In contrast, A Level students have more freedom in their subject choices, but it’s crucial for their selections to be coherent. 

For instance, students opting for Science A Levels should consider choosing at least one other Maths or Science subject. Similarly, a humanities subject pairs well with other humanities subjects. 

Additionally, to excel in A Levels or IB Higher Level subjects, students need to achieve a certain standard, typically a grade 7 at GCSE for most subjects.

For Maths, Sciences, and Languages, an 8 at GCSE is required, and those aiming for Further Maths A Level should have a 9 in GCSE Maths. 

If students are not reaching these grades in their mock exams, they should reconsider if they have made appropriate subject choices.

In light of the information above, you therefore need to balance passion with practicality. 

You must evaluate how each option aligns with your aspirations, learning styles and university requirements to help you make an informed and strategic decision.

Below are tables that lists some popular university courses along with some useful and essential subjects you can initially consider.

The tables above provide guidance on essential and useful subjects for applying to popular university courses. 

While this applies to both A Level and IB Higher Level subjects, IB requirements tend to vary more. Essential subjects are those required by most courses, though some may have alternative entry requirements. 

It is still advisable to do research on your prospective institutions, as entry requirements differ between universities.

Hopefully the information above is able to enlighten you to some degree on how you can move forward in your academic planning.

 
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